Imran Khan's party 'bunch of opportunists': Gilani

Islamabad: Indicating that Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf had the backing of the security establishment, Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani today described it as a "king's party" comprising a "bunch of opportunists."

"The PPP has had a long fight, it has a viewpoint and philosophy. These people joining other parties have no philosophy or viewpoint. They are a bunch of opportunists but a king's party ends with the king," he said, without naming 59-year-old Imran Khan.

Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilani described Imran Khan's party as a "king's party" comprising a "bunch of opportunists." AFP

He made the remarks while speaking to the media after offering prayers at the grave of slain former Premier Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Baksh in Sindh province on the fourth anniversary of her assassination.

Gilani yesterday also took a swipe at the cricketer-turned-politician, who is among those calling for early polls.

The had Premier contended that all political parties wanted the next general election to be held on schedule in 2013.

"No party is in a hurry for elections. Even the revolutionaries are in no hurry at all for early polls," he said, in a reference to Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party which has been talking of ushering in a revolution in Pakistan's political system.

There was consensus among all political parties on letting the current system continue, he had said.

"Those people who are talking of revolution – are there any new people among the revolutionaries or are they mostly those who wanted to bring revolution along with (former military ruler) Gen (Pervez) Musharraf?" he had asked.